The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, a crucial route for Bangladesh’s trade and commerce, has become increasingly hazardous, with 152 people killed and 137 injured in 171 road crashes between January and December last year.
Stretching 163.7 kilometers from Chattogram’s Alongkar area to Dhaka’s Sayedabad, the highway remains one of the busiest in the country. However, inadequate safety measures have led to frequent accidents, raising concerns among commuters and businesses, reports UNB.
Additional Deputy Inspector General of Cumilla Highway Range, Khairul Alam, stated that 138 cases were filed concerning these accidents during the same period. Authorities also received 88 complaints about vehicle violations, of which 50 have been addressed with final reports submitted.
Reckless driving has been identified as the primary cause of accidents, with other factors including dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding, and failure to follow lane discipline.
Along with traffic enforcement, highway police are also tackling smuggling and drug trafficking.
In 2023, authorities seized 235,600 kg of cannabis worth Tk 1,884,800 and recovered 20 bottles of Indian Phensedyl valued at Tk 6,000. Law enforcers also confiscated 2,045 CNG-run autorickshaws, 1,356 battery-run autorickshaws, 1,634 rickshaws, and 21 other illegal vehicles from the highway to maintain order.
To improve traffic regulation and streamline fine payments, new initiatives have been introduced. Previously, traffic fines on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Cumilla-Sylhet highways could only be paid through United Commercial Bank’s mobile banking service, Upay. Now, violators can instantly deposit fines through 21 mobile banking services, including bKash and Rocket, as well as various bank cards, making the process more efficient.
The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, serving as the primary link between the capital and Chattogram, the country’s largest port and commercial hub. Essential industries such as garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture rely on this highway for the transport of goods to and from Chattogram Port, which handles around 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade.
Business leaders and locals warn that without urgent safety improvements, rising road accidents could threaten economic stability and disrupt the country’s trade momentum.
